My Dear Duke(BL)
Chapter 75: A Birthday Ball(2)

Chapter 75: A Birthday Ball(2)

That broken hand wasn’t much compared to the worse things she did. So he couldn’t really feel a lot angry when she did that.

Among the children of Anne’s age, she was always left behind. It’s sad for Felix because he knew it could be his fault too that others refuse to hang around with Anne.

Other than the broken hand incident, she was always nice and looked like any other innocent child. Other childree might have been told by their parents not to approach Anne. So she was always left alone.

Maybe it’s their own fault.

Felix wouldn’t really blame anyone else other than himself.

He just wishes...they...no, At least Anne will get a chance to experience life like any other child.

Felix didn’t mind being left alone. He prefered to be alone anyway.

But he wouldn’t be rude to someone that approaches him though.

He wanted Anne to be different from him.

He really wished Anne would get a friend at least as the first step to socialise.

So, Felix always attended these events just so he could bring Anne with her and let her use this chance, despite him really hating the loud places and crowds. He only brought her to the parties she was invited to because he didn’t want to be rude.

Anne attended those parties with Felix and it took around two parties for Felix to understand she wasn’t excited to go to the ball and make friends as he wished.

But to enjoy the food there that they wouldn’t get everyday.

Eventually, Felix couldn’t deny he was worried Anne’s sole purpose of going to these balls was to taste all kinds of sweet desserts because she would rarely move away from the dessert table.

He didn’t know if it was a thing to worry or laugh because Anne seemed adorable.

It’s always these sweet things that make her excited.

Not making friends or talking with others.

Her priority was eating.

Being socially awkward himself, Felix felt like he had no right to push Anne to interact with others because he himself wouldn’t be happy to be forced that way. So yeah, as dumb as he was, he still believed Anne will change her priorities soon.

How dumb...

"A ball?! There will be a lot of food, right?!"

Yeah, that’s Anne’s first response to the invitation when Felix informed her. He knew it. He knew it! She was going to talk about food.

’Haa...Why am I not even surprised?’

Felix watched Anne reading the invitation by herself and chuckled lightly before going to tease her.

"Can you read Little miss?"

"I can! Miss Lara taught me everything."

"Right, talking about Miss Lara, she will be back in two months, you know that, right? So finish all your homework she gave you before your lessons start again."

"I know...I still have a pile left. I do them when I just feel like it. But it’s boring."

"Studying is boring? To you?"

"Tsk! Miss Lara isn’t here. That’s why... I just don’t want to do everything by myself, alone."

"Be patient, okay? She will come back from her overseas trip in two months. You can start studying with her again."

Felix said and saw Anne smile.

Miss Lara..

It was Anne’s teacher.

Like a lot of nobles, Felix also hired the best teacher for Anne to teach. Miss Lara had been teaching Anne for almost a year. But she left for a very important overseas trip four months ago. She was kind and considerate toward Anne which Felix admired in her the most.

Miss Lara gave Anne a lot of assignments to finish while she was away so Anne wouldn’t forget what she learned. Once she comes back, they can get back to their usual routine.

No classes meant more free time but Anne never hated studying so it was not a problem.

"Should I visit sister dssdj to get a gown tailored for the ball? I like her clothes the most."

Anne excitedly asked to which Felix nodded.

"Let’s go today and meet her."

"Today? Really!?"

"Mm."

"Hehe! Then I will get ready! I can pick up a cake from the town too."

"We are only going for clothes. No cakes."

"...Why are you so stingy?"

"Who is stingy? I would be the one to pay anyway."

"Hmmph!"

Felix let out a chuckle and pinched Anne’s cheek as he leaned in and gave a smirk.

"Call me stingy again. I will keep your brother Ash to myself."

"You’re threatening me?!"

Anne pouted and complained.

"Yeah."

"Hmmph!"

Anne pinched the hand pinching her cheek and turned away.

"Ah, I was going to ask...You stutter whenever you call me father. But you didnt when you called Asher, father. How bold of you, hm?"

"W-who stuttered? I can call you without stuttering!"

"Try it then."

Felix grinned, his voice filled with sarcasm.

"F...father!"

"You stuttered."

"Father!"

"You took way too long."

"You are bullying me."

Anne complained and kicked Felix’s leg lightly to which Felix secretly laughed.

"I am sorry. Come here. Don’t cry, okay? I will buy you a cake. So don’t throw a tantrum."

Felix said and Anne casually went to his arms and hugged him but still complained.

"Mmph! Who threw a tantrum? You offended me first . But I will forgive you. Since I love my f-father."

Anne said, quite shy to say the last sentence so it came in a weak voice.

"Yeah, please forgive me. Because I love my daughter too."

Anne couldn’t help but tighten her hug as Felix said so. He called her his daughter...

It was so joyful to hear him talking so gently, his voice making Anne feel he loved her indeed. The past didn’t seem to have changed a lot of things.

"Are you trying to strangle me? If you do, you won’t get cakes."

Felix said as he felt Anne tightening her arms around his neck. She was all over him and Felix felt she was like a baby monkey clinging to its mother.

He can’t easily change how he used to call her different, weird names. Even if she is now his daughter, it can still apply right?

He laughed secretly as he knew she was filled with joy since she also found out she would be getting a cake.

In response to Felix’s sarcastic words, Anne didn’t say anything but tightened her hug even more to which Felix started laughing as Anne chuckled.

’I am glad he is not hurt because of me. I will do my best to protect him so I can repay for everything.’

Anne promised to herself as she continued to hug Felix, giggling happily.